A History of England from the Conclusion of the Great War in 1815 Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909 Excerpt: ...are broken down, some persons will venture farther than others into the unknown region beyond. When the authority of Rome was once disowned, various opinions were certain to arise on the nature of the religion which was to be substituted for the old faith. A few persons, clinging to the church in which they had been born, preferred to adhere to the forms to which they had been accustomed. The mass of the nation, with Henry at their head, desired to free themselves from the interference of the Pope, but to preserve the ritual of the Romish Church; while more advanced thinkers thought that the ancient ritual should be swept away, and that all the forms of Popery should be banished from the country. These various opinions resulted in a compromise. An en 1 Mackintosh, vol. ii. p. 148. Russell on English Government, p 144. deavour was made to concede something to all parties. The nature of these concessions has been admirably xhecomtold by Macairiay. The liturgy of the Romish r' Church was retained, but it was translated into Eng-"-'-i-i lish; the rich vestments in which the priests of Rome had officiated were discarded, but the clergy were allowed a white surplice. Ordination and confirmation were enjoined, but they were no longer regarded as sacraments. The symbols of superstition were abolished from the churches, but the sign of the Cross was retained in baptism. The doctrine of transubstantiation was rejected, but the people were ordered to receive the sacrament on their knees. These arrangements formed a compromise, intended to unite the whole nation in one Church. Uniformity in religion was regarded as indispensable. The faith of Cranmer was very different from that of for uniforElizabeth; the religion of Elizabeth differed widely ml y'...